A/N: Hello all! I am coming at you from the gates of hell. Ugh, I hate this month. Cutting people open is kinda neat, but I don't think it's a living I want. I pretty much move from practice/hospital to practice/hospital each month, and I'm now in the dreaded "2 months of hell", which is why my updates will be scarce and far between.
I've been busy as all hell, but I've managed to compile a much-longer than normal chapter for all of you. I made sure I did about 20-30 mins of writing/proofing per night, so I could at least put something out! I've tried to tease out my vision into writing, and I hope you find it satisfactory. It's difficult to convey an action scene in your head into writing, as I'm sure a lot of you know. I hope I don't disappoint!
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Thank you all for reading and reviewing! I hope that I can continue to write a story deserving of your time!
I appreciate everyone who has stuck with this story! I heart you dearly!
A BIG thank you to all who have added/read/reviewed!
Happy Reading & Enjoy!
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Welcome back, Tare-chan! I was gettin' worried there, for a bit (*wipes forehead*)! And never apologize for reviewing! Hell, you can review as many times as you deem fit ;)
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail. I do take responsibility for the OCs, however.
1/15/10: fixed a minor mistake. I originally had Lucy leave another spirit before going into the mountain, but changed it last minute--and obviously forgot to change that minor detail. Sorry for the lapse in brain function.
1/18/10: fixed another, dumb mistake. I apologize for my idiocracy. Somehow I allowed spell check to change my original character, Faux--to Faust (to all you Goethe fans!) Thanks, Azalee :) It would have been mass chaos when his name appeared differently in the next chapter, I suppose. Ugh, I'm unusually unobservant--I apologize, it's quite embarrassing!
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"W-who is t-that?" Lucy's voice wavered. She could feel the hairs on her neck prickle in the subtlest of premonitions.
"I've been asking that the entire time!" Natsu practically whined as he crossed his arms over his chest. He was the only one not taken aback by the sudden interruption. His eyes shifted from Adie to the unwelcome visitor in hopes that she would offer some explanation.
"Faux," Veleda murmured, answering Natsu's poorly-masked impatience. Everyone turned toward the oracle for further explanation. Everyone except for Adie. Her eyes remained on the newcomer.
"Faux?" Lucy repeated, glancing at Adie's back. "Is he...a stellar spirit as well?" The name did sound somewhat familiar to her....had she come across it in the library in Magnolia? She was frustrated that, as a Celestial Spirit mage, she knew of a few more spirits than what she had around the ring on her belt.
"He is," Adie answered, her voice low as she studied the shrouded figure at the mouth of the cave. The mysterious visitor stood, looking down at his curious onlookers.
"What's he do?" Gray asked, equally as nonplussed as Natsu.
"He can make you believe things that are untrue," Adie answered before Veleda could respond.
"What does that mean? Like lies?" Natsu asked, mildly irritated that they were being cautious for this.
Lucy knew that Natsu often fought first, then asked questions. It was rare for the dragon slayer to understand his opponents' strengths before challenging them. And, right now, he was doing his best to stay calm and not charge into battle. Lucy hadn't realized she was staring, but he must have felt her eyes on him because he momentarily met her gaze before quickly shifting his own to the towering cavern entrance.
"It means," Veleda explained, somewhat impatiently, "that he can enter your mind to make you believe what he so desires. All it takes is one look." The sightless woman lightly tapped her temple with a finger as she spoke to no one in particular—yet anyone close enough to hear. Her face was expressionless as her cloudy eyes stared into space in ahead of her. Lucy was sure she could see defeat in those pale, blind eyes.
"How?" Happy asked, squinting as he followed Natsu's gaze to the top of the stony stairs.
"His eye," Veleda replied her voice sorrowful. "Beware of his eye."
"What does that mean?" Natsu muttered, obviously irritated by the lack of action. He was nervously shifting from one foot to another.
"Quit with the questions already!" Adie suddenly snapped at Natsu. "Didn't you listen to anything she has been saying?" Natsu scratched his head. He knew that there was something about an eye and pretend scenarios...but that didn't seem to be anything too worrisome to the dragon slayer. Lucy chewed her lip as she carefully absorbed Veleda's warning.
"My, my, it seems you aren't one happy family after all," the newcomer's smooth baritone echoed throughout the cave. "This may be more fun than I had anticipated." He didn't bother concealing the sneer in his voice as his shoes softly clicked on the stone. With a few long strides, the man was visible in the dim cavern light. He raised his hands toward his face, slowly pulling back his hood and revealing himself.
Lucy gasped, suddenly understanding Veleda's warning. It was subtle, but it was definitely there: the long strings of the eye patch snaking out from under his long stringy hair as it covered one eye. It wasn't until his black fingernails raked through his locks, pushing the raven-colored hair from his shoulders, that she could see that he was definitely protecting that eye—for one reason or another. Lucy couldn't be sure, but her suspicions were growing about this spirit's abilities.
He wasn't as human-appearing as Loki or Aries. His ears poked out from his hair, their pointed tips jutting back from his face. His skin was darker—she couldn't be sure if it were a dusky blue or gray. His face was sunken in, hollowing around his visible eye and both cheeks. He looked emaciated and sick, his all-too-large cloak hanging limply from his shoulders. Even his attire appeared to be sizes larger than he was. His appearance left no doubt in Lucy's mind that he hadn't always looked like this. Her eyes traveled from his face to his neck, where she noticed the choker for the first time. It was a smooth black ringlet that encircled his entire neck. She squinted, straining her eyes, were those bruises mottling this skin around the unfamiliar accessory?
"What's he wearing on his neck?" she whispered to Adie. The pale-haired mage inspected the newcomer with equal intensity. After a much more brief scrutiny of the newcomer, she shrugged.
"I'm not sure, but it looks dangerous, whatever it is," the blacksmith confirmed. "Nice catch, Lucy." Lucy smiled faintly, unsure of how much her observation contributed to the matter-at hand.
"Now, my dear Veleda," Faux interrupted, oblivious to the conversation going on below, "if you'll please come with me, this will end as peacefully as I can allow."
"You know I cannot," the seer answered, her eyes remaining downcast as she wrung her slender hands.
"Perhaps this can persuade you?" he purred, as he revealed something between long, bony fingers.
Lucy gasped, immediately recognizing the artifact. "No! How did he...?" It reminded her of something she had seen before. Something that belonged to Adie.
Veleda said nothing, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You cannot use that key, and you know that, Faux. Merely swinging it around does not make me your prisoner. Your options are thus: abduct me unwillingly or go back to your master with that key."
"Hmph!" the man mused, holding the key up to the light, examining it closer. "Not a traditional key, of course. Not entirely sure what she wants to do with you. Personally, I find you a bit boring."
The key sparkled in the insufficient firelight. It was similar to Adie's—more illustrious than a normal spirit's key. This one looked to be adorned with a bird's head, its curved beak grasped between Faux's fingers as he eyed it with curiosity. Despite seeing one before, Lucy couldn't deny that its intricacies were enticing to her. She felt a strong desire to hold the key in her own hands. Oh, to wield that kind of power...that kind of strength!
"Isn't it bad that he has that key?" Happy asked, looking at Natsu. The dragon slayer pursed his lips, nodding his agreement as he glanced at Lucy.
"Oh no," Lucy groaned, suddenly realizing the circumstances had changed. It was now a dire situation.
"'Oh no' is right!" Veleda reprimanded the group as she glared blindly at Lucy. "You fools should have killed me when I asked you to!"
"But if we get the key back, then it won't be an issue, right?" Natsu asked, cracking his knuckles and glaring at Faux. Lucy had to hand it to him, sometimes he was astute.
"That would be a good theory," Adie whispered, "but I don't think it'll be that easy, Natsu."
"And just why not? Let me at him, and I'll get you that key. It's a promise!" he grinned toothily.
"Natsu, we don't know what we are dealing with," Erza added. She, too, had been examining the stellar spirit with muted disdain. How did he get here without a mage? And what of his eye? she silently wondered to herself. Was it similar to her own? Would its properties work on her? Erza was confident that this scrawny excuse for a spirit was most likely more deadly than he appeared. The choker he was wearing reminded her of the one she wore as a child slave. She felt a silent connection with the creature, despite their grossly different intentions.
"If you won't come with me peacefully, then I'll have to take you by force," Faux sighed. "I gather that buffoons won't be letting me take you that easily?" Lucy could feel a faint chill as his gaze fell on her. Her hands absentmindedly slipped over her keys as she silently prayed he hadn't seen the move. She noticed that Adie was avoiding Faux's eyes, her face downcast.
Is she afraid to be recognized? Lucy wondered. Yes, I supposed that would make our situation even worse! Two demi-spirits in one mission would be a treasure trove to their opponent, she suspected. She knew that her own keys were at risk if she were to lose them to this spirit.
"You got that right," Gray scoffed, as he shot a glance at Natsu—who nodded in agreement.
"You'll have to get through us, first!" the dragon slayer yelled, as he prepared to make his attack. Lucy inwardly groaned, knowing that this was one of those times when Natsu wasn't going to evaluate his foe before going to physical extremes. But, before he could charge, Lucy saw an arrow whip past his face and into the wall behind him—taking his scarf with it. Natsu stared incredulously at the projectile.
"D-Did you just try to kill me?" he seethed as he tried to tug the arrow from the stone wall. When his attempts failed, he tried to free his scarf, risking a rip to the his prized possession. He glared angrily past a very confused Lucy. "What the hell?"
Lucy turned to find Adie returning Natsu's gaze with equal irritation. Her arm was slowly being lowered to her side, and Lucy could see the large crossbow mounted to the thick red armor that spanned from her left hand over the same shoulder. On her right arm was a less-concealing and shorter version of the same armor--reaching her elbow. Lucy had no doubt that it was one of Adie's very own creations.
Adie glanced down at her crossbow, as the arrow instantly replaced itself. Her pale eyes flashed their annoyance at Natsu. "You fool! You have no idea what you are dealing with! If he so much as traps you in an illusion, you can die!"
"How can he die from an illusion?" Happy asked, suddenly fearful for his friend's well-being.
Lucy felt her stomach sink a the realization that this spirit's ability was that powerful. She had at least suspected that they would provide an annoying distraction—but to to be deadly? How would they overcome that obstacle? Especially with Natsu being so head-strong and wreckless?
"Believing in his illusion means that your mind thinks it is real. If that's the case, then any injury to yourself will be dealt as such by your body," Veleda's empty eyes stared ahead as she spoke. She sighed, shaking her head slowly, "Just kill me and spare yourself this chaos!"
"No!" Adie spat.
Lucy remained silent, though she shared Adassandra's resolve. Erza's expression told her that she, however, did not share their desire to ignore Veleda's wishes. She was always the strict one, doing as protocol required or bylaws commanded. A living will was not something that Erza would ignore or go against. Lucy knew that if it came down to it, Erza would be the one to honor the demi-spirit's wishes.
"But there is no other way," the seer argued, her eyes pleading. "No matter what you do, there is no way to change the outcome. I must die! I have to!"
"If we know not to believe in his mind games, then we can prevent that outcome!" Lucy argued, hoping to convince Veleda to re-evaluate her death wish.
"I don't believe in an all-encompassing prophecy," Adie's voice was sharp as she turned her back on the rest of them.
"Well, I suppose it's too much to expect any of you to do the sensible thing and hand her over, yes?" Faux cooed, interrupting the minor dispute. "My master's orders were to retrieve the Prophet and her key, and I must do as I am told. Besides," he flashed another item, "I didn't expect to find a second item with your little doorkeeper."
Something netal glinted in the light. Lucy's eyes flew open as her heart grew cold. "N-no.."
That was her key! She had given the key to the odd-looking man in the library as a safety measure. Had he been killed? Was that how this spirit retrieved her key? The immense amount of guilt that washed over her was unbearable. Her entire body began to shake.
"Wonder what this one does..." he mused, his overly large mouth spreading into a sinister smirk. His mirth was too much for Lucy to handle.
"Shut up! Just shut the hell up!" Lucy screamed as tears immediately flooded her eyes. Aquarius may detest her master, but Lucy's responsibility in her spirit's abduction would kill her. Lucy's fists balled at her sides, as she took a few steps toward the stairs, her body trembling.
"Give the key back! Give her back to--"
"Lucy!" Adie and Erza bellowed in unison. The tone of their voices conveyed something more meaningful. Something they couldn't say aloud.
Despite the words on her tongue, Lucy managed to collect her thoughts. Her teary eyes pleaded with her companions, but she knew it would be both foolish and dangerous to reveal her identity to the Stellar Spirit. She felt her heart race as the adrenaline pulsated through her veins. With each beat of her heart, she wanted to rip this man into a million tiny pieces with her bare hands. She had never wanted to hurt someone so much! But, her friends were right. Of course they were right! A Stellar Spirit mage with valuable keys and two demi-spirits: one with unspeakable power and the other with Sight. Of course it was dangerous for any of them to reveal themselves to their opponent!
"We will get that key back. I promise you," Erza whispered, hoping that Lucy understood the underlying message. Keep quiet! "But now is not the time to act rash." Or you will further our problems!
Natsu's hand rested on her arm, as he, too, realized the origin of the key. "Luce.."
She hung her head as the man above chuckled in amusement. "My, how touching. Why do you care so much about an insignificant little key? It's just a spirit," he shrugged, though his voice betrayed his disdain. "Or are you worried about that mousy little man whose hand I had to remove in order to get these keys?"
Lucy's hatred flared as she glared angrily at the thieving spirit. "They are not just spirits!" she hissed, "They are living beings with feelings as well."
Faux's eyes widened at her words. As quickly as he had digressed, his face once again became unreadable. "Spoken like a mage, I suppose," he tapped his chin with a blackened fingernail. "A true mage..."
"You heard Erza," Adie murmured so that only Lucy could hear. "We will retrieve that key. No matter what."
Lucy remained quiet. Adie glanced at her, hesitance in her pale eyes. "Lucy...one question?" The spirit mage nodded, and Adie continued, "Which, er, key did you give the man in the library?"
"Aquarius." She could see Adie wince. She, too, was familiar with the Zodiac Spirit, and understood the repercussions Lucy would face because of this setback.
"Not good...gonna kill you..." Adie mumbled, more to herself. She faced Lucy, a strained smile on her face as she patted her in support. "But, it's all the same. We'll get that key. It's a promise."
"Yeah, Luce," Natsu offered, understanding the unspoken dangers that lingered around them. Gray stared at the ground. No one noticed the tears that streaked down Veleda's face at the mention of her servant's demise. The Seer had known that her faithful companion would protect her. No matter the cost.
"Don't worry, Seer, he is fine. A little bloodied and fingerless, but fine. Though," Faux smiled grimly, "if you do not cooperate, I'll go back and slit his neck."
"How dare you!" Veleda snapped, her cloudy, watery eyes searching out the Stellar Spirit.
"How dare me?" the haughty intruder replied. "Just make this easy!"
"You won't get her!" Lucy blurted, her face flushing as she realized she had yelled aloud. All eyes were suddenly on her. She thought she could see the hint of a smile pulling at the corners of Adie's mouth. Lucy inhaled deeply, taking her place in front of Veleda and ascertaining her claim.
"Large words for a pathetic human," Faux shook his head.
"The rest of us pathetic humans are with her!" Natsu growled as he stepped beside Lucy. He reached out and squeezed her trembling hand before quickly releasing it. Lucy smiled as she stared at Natsu in silent awe. She considered herself lucky to have such good friends...
"Aye! We're always with Lucy!" Happy chimed in, his brow furrowed as he crossed his furry paws over his chest.
"The pink-haired bastard speaks for all of us," Gray's voice was gruff as he glanced at his comrades. Erza turned and gave everyone an encouraging smile—a rare display for the usually-reserved mage.
Both Veleda and Adie remained silent. The former dropping her head in defeat—her fate already predicted. Despite her knowledge, she couldn't prevent herself from feeling the tiniest ray of hope from the mages' devotion.
"Fine," the man shrugged, leaning back against the mouth of cave, his face disappearing into the darkness. "Have it your way. I had hoped I wouldn't have to use them."
"Them?" Lucy whispered, glancing nervously at Natsu. He shrugged, a grin on his face. She knew he was hoping for a fight. She realized that his scarf was missing, and turned to find it dangling from the wall--where Adie's arrow had pierced the fabric. She shook her head, Nothing can deter him from a fight! Not even the loss of that damned precious scarf!
Before another word could be uttered, three massive, snarling beasts emerged from the darkness. Lucy suppressed a scream as their golden eyes glowed their presence. Their faces were devoid of hair, as were their massive paws. Razor sharp claws scraped the stone as they moved in an agitated manner. They snarled, gnashing their wide mouths with their pointed teeth. Saliva oozed from their jowls as their lips quivered in anticipation. The hair on their backs stood on end, making them look larger—not that they needed it. The large, greasy tufts of spiky hair ran from their hairless faces to their long, shaggy tails.
"Amarok!" Adie's face paled.
Erza nodded, "Human-eating wolves." She had been aware of the possibility of this encounter. Porlyusica had given her vague amounts of information regarding creatures of yore. Erza had sought out the hermit's counsel at the recommendation of an equally curious Makarov.
"Those are not wolves," Natsu's mouth fell open, a slight grin of disbelief and excitement spread across his face. "Those are....they are...."
"Monsters," Lucy replied, her blood going cold. They were vile, murderous monsters that were being used to help whoever is behind this! They were a means to achieve an evil goal.
"Lilith..." Adie whispered, her eyes falling to the ground.
"I'll take care of this, you guys get the blind woman out of here," Natsu growled as advanced a step. He was immediately met with a crossbow to his forehead, the arrow's point digging into his skin.
"No," Adie warned him, her face pale and sweaty as her eyes pleaded her seriousness. "It's not gonna be that easy."
"What's not that easy? I'll destroy them. End of story. Easy 'nough!" Natsu scoffed as he pushed the crossbow from his face with a look of disdain.
"Will you just listen for a minute, you ass!" Gray grumbled. "There's got to be a good reason why she's trying to prevent you from actually charging up there!" Adie stared at Gray with wide-eyed shock at his reasonable plea. He rarely spoke, though Adie had a feeling that he took in more than he verbally let out. She looked at Natsu, nodding slightly. Erza took a step back, her eyes still on Faux and the new creatures.
"Gray's right, Natsu. You need to be more patient. Only Adie knows how to deal with these animals. I, for one, am all ears." Her fingers curled around the hilt of her sword a she spoke.
"Their skin is impenetrable to magic," Adie shared, glancing around the group. "So your attacks will be moot."
"What? How's that possible?" Gray asked, realizing the brevity of the situation.
"They aren't from this world, child," Veleda answered grimly. She had been silently listening in on the conversation. "They are called forth to wreak chaos. They do not abide by this world's rules."
"How are we goin' to battle these monsters if they repel magic? I'm tired of not getting to fight!" Natsu whined.
"Weaknesses," Erza murmured. "Everything has a weakness."
"Erza is right," Adie concurred. "Sometimes physical, sometimes magical—there is always a weakness."
"Boring," Natsu sighed in defeat.
Faux stared down at them, oblivious to the conversation-at-hand, though he suspected they were devising something. "I'll give you one last chance," he offered. "Take it or leave it."
"Well, then, what's Plan B?" Natsu asked, deflated from his inability to fight.
"Erza, do you have any sort of Demon Armor?" Adie's eyes narrowed as she studied the three Amarok.
"No. I'm sorry," the red-head softly replied. "But I suppose something that will increase my destructive power will suffice."
Adie nodded weakly. "That'll do for now. I'll focus on hitting and eliminating the main Amarok."
"Main?" Natsu raised an eyebrow. There was a leader? One that was the strongest?
"They can create clones of themselves. It splits their strength by a fraction with each one they create, but it can overwhelm an enemy in a matter of seconds. If you kill the original, you can rid yourself of the clones," her voice was barely above a whisper as she hurriedly explained.
"So there will be three we need to eliminate ?" Erza asked, as she studied the Amarok as they anxiously paced along the cave opening, awaiting Faux's command. One snarled at the another, gnashing its sharp jaws impatiently.
"Exactly," Adie replied calmly.
"What are you going to do?" Erza responded with equal calm. She had come to accept that they had to trust this woman. They had no other choice. Right now, she was the only one that could instruct them on how to battle these unknown creatures.
"I am prepared for such instances," she smiled sadly, sharing nothing more. "But I'll need you to cover me."
Erza nodded. "I take it these clones won't fall?"
"You'll get a few moments to rest, if that's what you're asking," the blacksmith replied, her shoes being replaced with the boots that Lucy had seen before. Lucy had deduced that they somehow amplified Adie's speed to epic proportions—as she was practically invisible when she moved while wearing the boots with the golden wings. She watched as Adie used her right arm as support for her left, preparing her first shot.
"Is that a no?" Faux's voice echoed, as he leaned down and stroked the spiky mane of the closest Amarok. A ferocious growl emanated from the beast's throat. Lucy wondered why he wasn't taking a more pro-active stance against them. It was as if he were merely distracting them....
"What should we do?" Gray asked, as his eyes darting between Faux, the Amarok, and Veleda.
"You three protect Lucy and Veleda," Adie replied, her eyes still on the enemy as she steadied her aim. "Erza and I should be able to handle him as well as the Amarok."
"Should be able to handle him?" Lucy's voice was strained. "It's dangerous! We can help!"
"You can't let him know what you are!" Adie hissed. "It'll only give him something else to take back with him." Lucy cringed at her words.
"She's right," Erza agreed, as her clothes disappeared from her body. Within a second, Erza transformed into her Black Wing Armor. The giant black wings expanded behind her as she wielded the massive sword in her right hand. She widened her stance, preparing for the inevitable strike.
"You will not prevent what I have seen. Even if you resist," Veleda cautioned, her voice low. Her head hung in defeat as she realized she could not change their resolve. "But if you must, do not fall pray to his illusions. Remember them for what they are."
"Ok, lady," Natsu nodded. "Whatever you say."
"I'll take that as a 'no," Faux shrugged from his high-towering position, tiring of awaiting an answer. "Oh well. You lose!"
"Get out of here!" Adie barked, glancing briefly toward Lucy, Natsu, Happy and Gray. "There is another way out of the cave. Veleda, instruct them!"
When the seer said nothing, Adie spun on her heel, turning to face them. "If she won't go, drag her," she pointed to the seer. "I don't care what you do, but get the hell away from here!"
Under her crimson armor, she was adorned in a sleeveless black armor similar to the one that she had worn against the Adze. Her face was partially obstructed by unfamiliar headgear. Lucy could see that her right eye was covered by what looked to be a scope, as she could see the tiny cross-hairs etched into the red glass. Adie adjusted its position on her head, the scope clicking as she rotated it in a clockwise fashion.
"You can count on us!" Natsu promised as he quickly threw an astonished Veleda over his shoulder.
Her eyes widened in surprise. "You have to do it!" she howled in terror.
"Nope, sorry. We'll talk later," Adie mumbled as returned to face their foe."Get out of here!" she waved, her back facing them once again.
"Let's go!" Natsu barked as he pulled Lucy by her hand while carrying a dejected Veleda--who was now mumbling to herself. Lucy cast one last glance over her shoulder, silently praying that the two women would face down Faux's beasts with ease.
***
***
"So you two will ward off my attack in hopes that they'll escape," Faux chuckled, shaking his head sadly. "It won't do."
"I'll await your word," Erza murmured, ignoring the ill-looking Celestial Spirit.
Adie quickly steadied her left arm on her right, aiming the arrow for its intended victim. With deadly accuracy, she let loose an arrow. It silently sailed toward its prey, the fletching suddenly springing outward as it twisted in the air. The newly expanded arrow grazed one of the Amarok—which growled in anger at the pre-emptive strike. The arrow embedded into the wall, a large crack running upward from the impact.
"Shit! I missed," Adie's voice was loud, as she adjusted her scope.
Erza cast a sideways glance at the woman; the sarcasm was not missed. She remained ready to attack, her sword erected in front of her as she watched her enemy carefully. Faux laughed, as he easily pulled the instrument from the wall. He touched the tip, blood beading on his fingertip.
"My dear," he scoffed. "Your ordinary weapons will not harm my companions."
Adie straightened, a smile gently curling her lips. "There is nothing ordinary about it."
A slow, intentional smile spread across her face as the Amarok that had been hit began to suddenly howl in pain. Faux's head snapped toward the injured beast, his eye wide with shock. The Amarok's cry tore through the cavern as it dropped onto its side, its paws clawing at the air in painful distress. The injury on its back grew wider, exposing bone and flesh. Thick black blood pooled on the ground as the animal writhed in pain. Soon, muscle gave way to bone, and the sizzle of a burning flesh tore through the cavern as the animal's screams followed. Flames quickly took over, and the animal's carcass dissolved into nothingness.
"H-how?" the pale man panted, his eye bulging from his head.
"I told you....those are no ordinary weapons. Now," she readjusted her aim, "you were saying?"
She had intentionally chosen not to answer his question. Amarok were demons, and thus it was necessary to rid of them in a very particular manner. Lore passed down through the generations had long-indicated a repellent to unwanted demonic presences, and so birthed her creation. It wasn't the tip of the arrow that was dangerous—as one would most likely think. Rather, it was the fletching, which she had coated with a layer of the often neglected, yet powerful, crystallized mineral. It only took one tiny slice through the skin to kill an Amarok, and it was a perfect choice of weapon--allowing her to distance herself from the enemy.
"Who are you?" Faux asked, his voice suddenly raspy. He peered at her in curiosity. "You...are familiar. We've met before, no?"
Adie left those questions unanswered as well. She could see Erza's sardonic smile from the corner of her eye as she took aim for the second time. "Like that, did you?" her voice was low.
"I'll admit...it's impressive," Erza retorted as she prepared for Faux's counter.
As if on cue, he signaled for the remaining beasts to attack. In a blur of fur, one creature leaped from the top of the stairs, his landing causing the stone to give way beneath him. Erza leaped into the air as the tiny crevice ripped toward her. The other Amarok slowly descended the stairs, studying its prey with the intent to kill. As predicted, the two ferocious demons had quickly multiplied into a dozen.
Erza swung her massive sword over her head as she charged at the herd of sharp-clawed beasts—her wings propelling her forcefully. With a flick of her wrist, ten Amarok were slashed and bleeding on the stony ground. Another leaped at her, but was pierced through the head with an arrow, falling a few feet short of its target. Erza shot Adie a look of thanks, before she dodged a low-lunging attack. Each swing of her giant sword looked like a choreographed dance, her movements fluid and intentional despite the weight of the armor and weapon.
Seconds turned into minutes, and the fighting continued. Adie knew she would eventually run low on her arrows if she didn't find the original Amarok as quickly as possible. She knelt down, as she used her scope to help take aim at one of the offending creatures. She released the arrow, silently praying as it sliced two Amarok at once. One of the howling creatures burst into flames as flesh, fur, and bone melted away. Their opponents' army decreased by half in the blink of an eye. Adie wanted to scream in triumph, but she knew that Erza was quickly tiring from the constant barrage of the regenerating creatures.
In their momentary excitement, both women overlooked the stealthy creature that lurked along the far wall, stalking the remaining mages. It was Erza who caught its movement from the corner of her eye. "Adie! Look!" she screamed, quickly pointing toward the wandering foe before dodging another's attack.
"Shit!" Adie hissed to herself, as she realized the decision she was faced with.
"Go! I can handle this here!" Erza told her, slicing through three Amarok simultaneously. Adie nodded, before disappearing. Erza turned to face the remaining five opponents, three of which were slowly reviving.
***
***
Lucy screamed as she heard the low-growling snarl. She spun around to find the frightening creature closely stalking them. Natsu set Veleda on her feet as he quickly put himself in front of Lucy, an arm protectively cast out in front of her.
"But magic won't work!" Lucy's voice was shrill.
"Just get out of here! I'll take care of th--" Natsu commanded.
He was interrupted as the creature was hurtled along the stone floor by an unseen force. Lucy jumped back, covering her mouth to stifle her scream as Natsu's eyes widened in terror. In a blur of movement, Adie had managed to lunge at the creature, tumbling with it as their bodies slid along the hardened stone. Lucy repressed bout of panic as the Amarok's snarls and Adie's screams echoed around them.
"No!" Natsu breathed.
"We have to help her!" Lucy wailed as she watched the beast release its jaw from the flesh on Adie's right arm--the arm that was less protected by armor.
"Shit!" Gray yelled as he ran toward the scene. "Ice-make: Lance!" he quickly formed the weapon, hurtling it toward the demon. It struck its target with deadly accuracy, shattering into hundreds of tiny shards. The demon remained both unscathed as it ignored the minute distraction. Gray silently cursed at himself, remembering Adie's earlier warning: they were impenetrable to magic!
"Nononono," Lucy moaned as she watched the two forms struggle against one another. Adie was using both arms to hold the gnashing jaws away from her neck. Her armor protected her chest, but not the vulnerable skin on her neck and face. Adie's right cheek was mottled with blood that had spurted from her wound.
"I-I can't do anything," Natsu's voice shook, as he realized that his dragon slayer magic would not help them. He looked at Gray, who was pale-faced and sweating.
Do something! her mind screamed. As if something had taken over her being, Lucy sprinted from her companions. She yelled, waving her arms frantically as she tried to distract the ferocious Amarok. "Over here! Look at me!"
"Lucy!" Natsu bellowed, as he realized her intent.
"No!" Adie screeched. She managed to tilt her head back to see the Stellar mage attempting to help. The move only left her neck more vulnerable to the demon's teeth. "Get out of here!"
The Amarok took advantage of the momentary distraction, its sharp teeth straining to taste the human flesh and blood. One taste of human blood was enough to drive it into a killing frenzy--something she hadn't shared with her comrades. Blood was the nourishment that made the Amarok stronger. But, it was too late, the transformation was already beginning, and Adie didn't know how much longer she could hold it off. With each squirm of the monster's head, its jaws moved closer to her skin.
Lucy ignored Adie's pleas as she released the whip that was tucked into her belt. She had no idea how to use the unfamiliar weapon, but she assumed it would be like utilizing her own whip. She closed her eyes, allowing the silent force that was driving her to take control as she used all of her strength to send the whip flying. In a whir of movement, the weapon announced its presence by whistling as it cut through the air. It expanded, lashing angrily at the Amarok that was trying to tear at Adie's neck.
Thick black blood spurted throughout as the animal howled in pain. Its golden eyes focused on the source of the distraction as Adie's blood dripped from its jowls. Lucy released her whip a second time—this attack more instinctive. It struck at the animal's neck, wrapping around it. Lucy pulled, but the animal was too large. It thrashed, pulling her with the whip. She felt extra weight as an arm wrapped around her waist and another reinforced her grip. She accepted Natsu's help and proximity as she flicked her wrist, commanding the whip to return to her. As if understanding her thoughts, it retracted—blood, flesh, and fur embedded in the diamond encrusted teeth.
"That's one hell of a whip, Luce!" Natsu whistled, despite his fear for her safety.
Lucy's plan had worked. The Amarok angrily glared at her as its oily blood dripped onto Adie--who was still gripping its thick neck. Lucy prepared for another strike, but before she could release her weapon for a third time, the tip of an arrow exited from the Amarok's skull. Lucy gasped as she realized that Adie had managed to fire her crossbow during the demon's moment of distraction. Adie quickly pushed the limp animal off of her, using her uninjured arm to push herself to her feet. She quickly reached for her belt, pulling it loose and tying it around her right arm with her teeth.
When she had successfully staunched the bleeding, she glared at Lucy. "What were you thinking?"
"I was only trying to help!" Lucy squealed, her face turning red. "A-are you alright?" she whispered, her face paling as she saw the blood dripping from the puncture wounds.
Adie glanced at Natsu, who still had an arm around Lucy's waist. She nodded, "I'll survive. Now you four have to promise me you'll do the same."
"Right!" Natsu nodded, his arm dropping from around Lucy. "But promise me I'll get to kick that guy's ass at some point."
"Deal," Adie replied, her right arm hanging limply at her side. She picked up her crossbow with her injured arm, re-mounting it on her armor. She fired two more arrows into the Amarok's head to keep it out of commission for a little while longer. She would quickly drag it back to the others.
Natsu excitedly grabbed Lucy, throwing her over his shoulder. "Let's go, Luce! Got to protect you! Gray, you take Veleda!" Lucy gasped as she was lifted into the air. She cast one last, frantic look at Adie.
"Thanks," the blacksmith mouthed to Lucy as she quickly disappeared from sight.
***
***
Erza was quickly tiring from the remaining Amarok she was fending off with one sword. The beast had multiplied, producing a few more equally annoying pests. She wished that she could use her Heaven's Wheel Armor, but there was no room for her swords to dance in the confined space. She quickly leaped upward as one of the wolves attempted to close its jaws around her throat. She managed a swift kick to another as it snapped at her ankle. The beast was thrown aside as Adie kicked it off the curved, notched blade she had unsheathed from the armor on her right hand she had cradled in her left. Erza smiled grimly as she realized that her help had returned.
"I don't know how much longer I can help to keep them occupied," Erza panted. Sweat was running down her face as a few stray strands of scarlet hair matted to her cheeks and neck. "It just keeps multiplying."
"I can see that. Perhaps we need to re-think our strategy," Adie admitted.
Erza sliced through another Amarok, using her foot to clear it from her blade. "I have an idea," she confessed, hesitantly. She had been trying to confirm her theory, but she couldn't find a moment to test it—not with the barrage of attacks she was fending off.
"Why didn't you say something earlier?" Adie growled. "I'm running low on arrows, and there are more clones than what I have in arrows."
"I think I may be able to see which one is your target," the red-head admitted as their backs facing one another, blades in-hand and on-hand.
"Explanation, please," Adie hissed as she released the blade into a snarling demon's mouth. It exited the back of the creature's skull, sending a pool of dark blood spurting onto the wall.
"My right eye is artificial, and at times, it can detect or reject certain magical properties," she explained.
"Will it work?" Adie had re-equipped the headgear from earlier as she prepared to follow Erza's orders.
"If you can create a distraction long enough...perhaps," Erza concluded. "I can't be sure, though."
"Tell me which one," Adie nodded, feeling slightly hopeful at Erza's plan. She quickly re-quipped with a pair of silver barreled handguns, firing at the snarling brutes while Erza concentrated with her left eye closed.
"Got it," Erza confirmed, moments later. "That one over there" she pointed toward the respective demon. Adie took aim and attempted to release her arrow. The sound of clicking told Erza that the crossbow had failed.
"Shit, it's jammed," Adie moaned, realizing that her earlier scuffle with the Amarok must have rendered the weapon useless. Erza reacted instinctively, quickly pulling the arrow from the crossbow. Her eyes never left the indicated Amarok as she retrieved the weapon arrow.
"What are y--" Adie began, confused by Erza's intent. She received her answer as Erza quickly launched herself at the Amarok. Two others charged at her, and she quickly disposed of them with a swing of her massive sword--makign a path toward her intended victim. As the targeted demon lunged at her, Erza slid along the floor so that she was under the beast. With its gullet exposed, she slid the fletching along the hairless skin, slicing the flesh before deeply plunging the arrow into its body. She rolled out from under the wolf before it collapsed on the floor. Within moments, the screeching howls had disappeared, and only the two women remained.
Adie's mouth hung open in awe. "That was amazing!"
"I had to improvise," the red-head admitted, between breaths. She quickly glanced at the retreating figure at the top of the stairs. He was no longer casually leaning against the cave now that his companions had been defeated. "But what about him?"
Before Erza could say another word, Adie had disappeared from sight. She reappeared behind Faux, holding a red-armored arm to his neck as she slowly unsheathed the oddly-shaped blade. The tip sliced the thin skin above the Stellar Spirit's collar. His dark brown blood beaded around her blade.
"So you think you got me, huh?" he hissed.
"It's over. Give up," Adie replied in kind.
"Over? I think not. Did you think I'd make it that easy? Just because you defeated my help does not mean it's over. I'm still leaving with what I came for," he answered brusquely. "I have business to take care of." With those words, he faded from her grasp, leaving Adie standing in both solitude and shock.
Erza peered at the top of the stairs, as Adie slowly walked out of the dark shadows, empty-handed. "What happened? Where did he go?" Erza looked equally confused, now re-quipped in her Heart Kreuz armor.
"It wasn't him."
"What do you mean?" Erza felt her stomach sink.
Adie was pale as she worriedly glanced at the mage, "That was only an illusion—a distraction. He meant to keep us occupied."
Erza's eyes widened as she understood the meaning of Adie's words. "Y-You can't mean..."
Adie sighed, realizing that they played right into Faux's plans. Veleda had seen the entire thing, and they—no, she--had ignored it. She flexed the fingers on her right hand, they were tingling slightly, but the bleeding had stopped. She could still use her injured arm, despite the pain from the Amarok's venom.
She wore a grim expression as she met Erza's worried gaze. "We need to find the others," she explained, her voice filled with regret. "And fast."
*****
Names, Meanings, etc:
Faux: name meaning "false"
Amarok: as Erza said, human-eating wolves. Believed to eat anyone who was "hunted alone at night". Borrowed from Inuit mythology.